Mass Communication Department launches new student run newscast on Nov. 3
Eldria Coleman
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
Furthering its efforts to prepare students to be practitioners of mass communication in the areas of multimedia journalism and media production, the Department of Mass Communication at Jackson State University will launch a new student newscast, Jackson State News Now (JSNN) on Monday, Nov. 3.
The newscast will air on TigerTV, JSU’s closed-caption station and will offer opportunities for mass communication students to gain hands-on experience in their field of choice. The team will deliver local, state and national news as well as provide weather forecasts from the department affiliate station, Weathervision.
Michael W. Douglas, mass communication visiting professor at Jackson State, has been charged with selecting and training the student JSNN news team.
“This newscast is being created by students, for students. Launching this from scratch, they are beginning to learn how much work is involved in getting a new production on the air and how much teamwork it takes to get the job done,” said Douglas.
He added: “This launch is a priceless experience for them going into their internships and future careers because they are building something new and understand how production, editorial content, planning, scheduling, cancellations, etc., can happen and how you have to have alternative plans and ideas to get it done. They are getting reality now so they will have a better idea of what career path they want to take in the mass communication industry.”
Mass Communication students involved with JSNN are excited about the chance to put all the things learned in class into action.
Laura Coleman, a junior concentrating in multimedia journalism and JSNN anchor stated that being a part of the JSNN crew has been quite the learning experience.
“From production, to producing, to anchoring, it is all a learning process. But since this is what I want to do in life, I enjoy every step of it,” said Coleman, a Jackson, Miss. native.
Coleman added: “I think being a part of the JSNN cast will make a huge impact on my employability after graduation. Not only does this grant me an opportunity to learn and grow, it also builds up my portfolio for jobs to see what I have done and what I can do.”
Elayne Anthony, director of the JSU Department of Mass Communication, echoes the students’ excitement about the new broadcast and has encouraged the teamwork of the media outlets in the department to make the show a reality.
“We are excited about the launch of the TigerTV newscast. I am very appreciative of the team that is working with our students to pull together the newscast. The team, which includes faculty member Michael Douglas, Keith Collins with JSU-TV and Shannon Tatum with The Blue & White Flash, are working to assist and ensure students have a good end product.”
Anthony added: “Through their work on TigerTV, the students will develop something tangible to show potential employers and will gain practical experience that will benefit them in their careers.”
Students say they are also hoping to learn a variety of skills from their work on the newscast.
Deirdra Mercury, a writer for the JSNN broadcast, stated that working with JSNN is providing her with the opportunity to sharpen her writing skills and learn new ones.
“I’ve never worked in broadcast before, and in the last week I’ve had opportunities to practice five new-to-me skills. I think on-camera experience will help me anywhere I go,” said Mercury, a junior concentrating in multimedia journalism from Jackson, Miss.
Ceaira Wilson, a senior mass communication major from Indianapolis, Ind., is a camera operator and editor at JSNN.
“I expect to learn from this experience the rundown of how a newscast should go and also brush up on my filming and editing skills,” said Wilson.
Aniecia Brewster, a junior concentrating in media production from Belleville, Ill., said working with JSNN has boosted her confidence and skills.
“I’ve always been behind the scenes but now I’m in the mix of it all and it’s helping to boost my experience and pave the way for my future in mass communication once I graduate,” said Brewster, a sports anchor for JSNN.
She added: “Being a part of JSNN will definitely help me for future employment in the mass communication world because I’ll be experienced in everything, like writing, production, and anything they need me to do. I will be able to get the job done. My main focus is sports but I will also have the knowledge to get other things completed besides sports.”
According to Douglas, plans are to go live on Nov. 3. The newscast will air live at 4 p.m. daily and then rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on TigerTV. Those who miss the broadcast will also be able to view the show on TigerTV’s YouTube channel.
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